Saket Bathla

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“An Arsenal fan who loves connecting with people over Beer and sports.”

Hometown: Chandigarh, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can name the capitals and identify the flags of more than 150 countries of the world.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering – Punjab Engineering College

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Associate Project Manager – JP Morgan Chase and Co.

Integrative thinking is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What does integrative thinking mean to you and how have you been able to apply it thus far? Integrative Thinking, a cornerstone of the Rotman MBA experience, is the ability to blend diverse perspectives and opposing models to have a better perspective and outlook for my professional journey.

In navigating a career switch post-MBA, the contrasting models of “Wider Industry Exposure” and “Vertical Product Exposure” prompted my exploration into management consulting and product management respectively.

This choice aligns with my inclination to broaden my horizons and gain exposure across various industries. Management consulting offers a breadth of industry experiences by providing a panoramic view and a steep learning curve. Simultaneously, my prior role involved collaboration with product and technology teams, revealing my affinity for understanding customer preferences and building a strong product sense. This inclination towards product management represents the opposite end of the spectrum, going deep into the vertical aspect of building a product.

The Integrative Thinking process has been at play as I actively seek opportunities that straddle both consulting and product management. While management consulting offers industry breadth, product management delves deeply into crafting and refining products, essentially embodying two opposing models. This duality is where Integrative Thinking becomes invaluable.

Through internships and networking efforts, I’ve aimed to integrate insights from both worlds, creating a holistic approach that aligns with my background. This way, I not only enrich my professional growth but also keep my options open by evaluating choices through the lens of Integrative Thinking.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? The Toronto Skyline. I’ve always wanted to live in a city that looks beautiful when it lights up at night. Toronto’s skyline, especially with the CN Tower, gives a special feeling to everyone who lives here. It’s not just a nice view; it makes you feel like you belong to the city.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond classmates and location, the pivotal factor influencing my choice of Toronto Rotman’s MBA program was its distinguished brand value. Recognizing the strong reputation of the school not only opens doors to exceptional career opportunities, but also aligns with the extensive alumni network, fostering valuable connections and a robust professional community. The relationship between Rotman’s esteemed brand and its influential alumni base assured me of a powerful network that goes beyond graduation, providing ongoing support and opportunities for career growth.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? The course that I have found most enjoyable at Rotman so far is the Strategy course. Taught by Professor Kevin Bryan, the class was exceptionally engaging due to his ability to illustrate theoretical concepts with real-life examples. The practical insights provided a clear understanding of how and why companies make strategic decisions and the outcomes of those choices.

What made the course particularly fascinating was the blend of logical simplicity and intricate details in dissecting business decisions. Professor Bryan’s extensive use of real-life examples allowed us to retrospectively comprehend the rationale behind a company’s decisions while appreciating the complexity of the decision-making process.

Throughout the course, Professor Bryan equipped us with a toolkit of strategies that companies employ, offering valuable insights applicable to real-world scenarios. This practical approach not only enhanced our understanding of strategic management but also provided us with a set of strategies to implement in future decision-making roles. Overall, the Strategy course stands out as an enriching experience, combining theoretical knowledge with actionable insights for effective decision-making in the business world.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my career at JP Morgan, my significant accomplishment occurred when I joined a newly formed team responsible for client onboarding onto our product databases. Initially comprising three experienced individuals, including myself, the team faced a challenge when two members including my reporting manager left the firm in quick succession, leaving me as the sole holder of project knowledge.

Stepping up to the plate, I transitioned into a leadership role, taking charge of operations in Bangalore. Despite the unexpected departures, I ensured project continuity through strategic decision-making and effective delegation of tasks based on team members’ strengths. I helped the team grow from 3 members to more than 15 members across 2 geographies Additionally, I played a pivotal role in training new team members, including the incoming reporting manager, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Throughout this experience, transparent communication with onshore partners and clients remained a priority. Successfully maintaining project continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges and contributing to the development of a cohesive and efficient team underscored the resilience and adaptability I brought to the table. This experience not only showcased my leadership capabilities, but also enriched my skill set, emphasizing the strategic decision-making, effective delegation, and patience required to overcome significant hurdles in a high-stakes professional environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? During my MBA journey, a standout accomplishment was participating in a case competition hosted by Kearney, the flagship case comp by the Management Consulting Association (MCA) at Rotman, and winning it.

Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, our team of talented individuals collaborated intensively over two weeks, including informative sessions and networking opportunities with Kearney professionals. Countless late nights, intense discussions, and shared laughs not only strengthened our teamwork but also fostered a sense of camaraderie with each other. Out of 40 participating teams, our dedication and collaborative efforts propelled us to the finals, where we presented our solution to Kearney partners—an experience that was both nerve-wracking and immensely rewarding. This achievement stands out as the pinnacle of my MBA experience, offering valuable lessons in interview simulations, teamwork dynamics, and the art of ideation and solving business problems.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? The most cherished MBA memory so far involves our orientation camping expedition to Camp Winnebagoe, nestled near Fox Lake, Ontario. This retreat provided a unique opportunity to bond with our classmates and forge connections before the MBA grind commenced.

Engaging in numerous activities, the pinnacle was undoubtedly the spirited “Great Section Race.” All four sections participated in over 10 activities, from kayaking (and witnessing amusing kayak mishaps) to leaping into the lake and gathering around a bonfire in the freezing cold. We danced, sang, and, in the process, formed lasting friendships.

A delightful aspect of the experience was the impeccable food and hospitality provided by the camp organizers. Lavish meals each day served as the cherry on top, ensuring that we were not only engaged in thrilling activities but also well-nourished throughout the memorable trip.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Toronto Rotman’s MBA program? Prospective applicants aiming for a spot in Rotman’s MBA program, gear up for an exhilarating yet challenging start in the initial weeks. The prospect of meeting a diverse array of people, from forging friendships with global peers to networking with experienced seniors and industry professionals, might seem overwhelming. Adapting to a new city and the student life landscape could pose initial challenges but navigating it one step at a time is the key.

As first-year students, the journey involves discovering our own career path, a process many of us are still navigating. Embrace the present, exercise patience, and stay open to exploration. With time, you’ll settle into the rhythm of MBA life, cherishing both the routine and the hustle. Maintaining a balance between work and play is paramount, so work hard, party harder, cultivate friendships, and savor every moment of this transformative journey. Flexibility in both professional and personal choices is key, and with time, everything will fall into place.

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